Wireless network management and online signup of services

ABSTRACT

A wireless access point receives configuration information assigned to a particular service provider. The configuration information includes information indicating a wireless network identifier (such as a network name or SSID value) assigned to the service provider. The wireless network identifier is available for use by communication devices to establish a wireless connection with the wireless access point and perform multiple different functions. For example, the configuration information can include multiple resource links assigned to the particular service provider. Via use of the wireless network identifier, a communication device can establish a wireless communication link with the wireless access point. The communication device communicates a selected one of the multiple links to the wireless access point to indicate which of multiple functions (such as online sign-up or actual use of wireless network services) can is being requested.

BACKGROUND

Conventional computer devices typically have the ability to identify apresence of WiFi™ access points. For example, according to currenttechnology, to learn of one or more access points in a region, acomputer device can monitor a respective wireless region for presence ofso-called beacons or probe responses generated by wireless accesspoints. The beacons or probe responses indicate identities (a.k.a.,SSIDs) of any wireless access points within wireless range of thecommunication device.

In certain instances, a respective SSID is a human-readable network nameassigned to a respective network. Accordingly, via the responseinformation from the access points, the operator of the computer canidentify which, if any, WiFi™ networks are available for use in theregion.

According to conventional techniques, since each SSID (logical networkname) corresponds to a different available network, the respective useror communication device is able to make a selection of a wirelessnetwork and then connect to any of multiple networks depending upon thechosen SSID (network name).

Conventional WiFi™ now supports so-called Passpoint services. Ingeneral, use of Passpoint services allow your mobile communicationdevice to identify availability of different service providersassociated with a particular wireless access point as the mobile deviceroams through a respective geographical region. If a user of acommunication device subscribes to service provider associated with awireless access point as indicated by passpoint information, thecommunication device is able to use the wireless access point to connectto the Internet.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Use of conventional wireless networks suffer from a number ofdeficiencies. For example, via a Passpoint service notification, aservice provider may wish to provide the ability for users to sign upand subscribe to services through the wireless access point as well asenable subscribers to use the wireless access point to access theInternet. In such an instance, according to conventional techniques, arespective service provider must be allocated use of two SSIDs tosupport such functions. For example, for a given wireless access point,the service provider needs to be assigned a first SSID associated withthe wireless access point, enabling a respective user to establish awireless communication link with the wireless access point and performonline sign-up of wireless services from the particular serviceprovider. Additionally, according to conventional techniques, theservice provider needs to be assigned a second SSID associated with thewireless access point, enabling the respective user to establish awireless communication link with the wireless access point and usewireless services provided by the particular service provider to accessthe Internet.

In contrast to conventional techniques, a wireless access pointaccording to embodiments herein receives configuration informationassigned to a particular service provider. The configuration informationincludes information indicating a wireless network identifier (such as anetwork name or SSID value) assigned to the service provider for use ofthe wireless access point. The wireless network identifier is availablefor use by communication devices to establish a wireless connection withthe wireless access point. Additionally, the configuration informationincludes multiple resource links assigned to the wireless networkidentifier. Each of the resource links associated with the wirelessnetwork identifier supports a different function supported by theservice provider. For example, in one embodiment, a first selectableresource link supports on-line sign up of wireless network serviceprovided by the particular service provider. A second selectableresource link supports use of the wireless network services provided bythe service provider.

In one embodiment, the wireless access point receives a request from thecommunication device for the configuration information. In response toreceiving the request, the wireless access point transmits a wirelessnotification to the communication device indicating: i) the wirelessnetwork identifier, and ii) the multiple corresponding resource linksassociated with the wireless network identifier.

In accordance with further embodiments, the multiple correspondingresource links associated with the wireless network identifier includesat least a first link and a second link. As previously discussed, thefirst selectable link (such as signup link) enables a respective user ofthe communication device to sign up for wireless network servicesprovided by the particular service provider. The second selectable link(such as a passpoint information access link) enables a respective userof the communication device to use wireless network services provided bythe particular service provider after the user has signed up (becomes asubscriber authorized) to use the particular service provider's wirelessnetwork services.

From the perspective of a client communication device, the communicationdevice receives the wireless notification from the wireless accesspoint. As previously discussed, the wireless notification indicates: i)a wireless network identifier in which to establish a wirelessconnection with the wireless access point, and ii) multiplecorresponding selectable resource links associated with the wirelessnetwork identifier. The communication device selects a resource linkfrom the multiple corresponding resource links. The communication devicegenerates a request to establish a wireless communication link with thewireless access point using the wireless network identifier and aselected resource link. Via the request, the communication devicecommunicates the selected resource link amongst the multiplecorresponding resource links over the established wireless communicationlink to the wireless access point. If the communication device needs tosign up for wireless network services provided by the particular serviceprovider, the communication device selects the first link to sign up forthe wireless network services. Alternatively, if the communicationdevice is already a subscriber of the particular service provider, thecommunication device selects the second link to use the wireless networkservices.

In this manner, instead of requiring different SSIDs to be used for signup and actual use of wireless network services by a given serviceprovider, embodiments herein include reuse of the same wireless networkidentifier (such as SSID) for these functions. In other words,embodiments herein are useful over conventional techniques. For example,as previously discussed, conventional techniques require that theservice provider be assigned two distinct SSIDs—one supporting on-linesign-up of wireless network subscription services and another supportingactual use of the wireless network subscription services to existingsubscribers. In contrast to conventional techniques, embodiments hereinincluding consolidating SSIDs amongst service providers, while stillproviding each of multiple different service providers an ability tocontrol wireless network access.

These and other more specific embodiments are disclosed in more detailbelow.

Note that any of the resources as discussed herein can include one ormore computerized devices, servers, base stations, wirelesscommunication equipment, communication management systems, workstations,handheld or laptop computers, or the like to carry out and/or supportany or all of the method operations disclosed herein. In other words,one or more computerized devices or processors can be programmed and/orconfigured to operate as explained herein to carry out differentembodiments of the invention.

Yet other embodiments herein include software programs to perform theoperations summarized above and disclosed in detail below. One suchembodiment comprises a computer program product including anon-transitory computer-readable storage medium (i.e., any physicalcomputer readable hardware storage medium) on which softwareinstructions are encoded for subsequent execution. The instructions,when executed in a computerized device having a processor, programand/or cause the processor to perform the operations disclosed herein.Such arrangements are typically provided as software, code,instructions, and/or other data (e.g., data structures) arranged orencoded on a non-transitory computer readable storage medium such as anoptical medium (e.g., CD-ROM), floppy disk, hard disk, memory stick,etc., or other a medium such as firmware in one or more ROM, RAM, PROM,etc., or as an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), etc. Thesoftware or firmware or other such configurations can be installed ontoa computerized device to cause the computerized device to perform thetechniques explained herein.

Accordingly, embodiments herein are directed to a method, system,computer program product, etc., that supports operations as discussedherein.

One or more embodiment as described herein includes a computer readablestorage hardware having instructions stored thereon. The instructions,when executed by computer processor hardware, cause the computerprocessor hardware of the system to: receive configuration informationassigned to a particular service provider, the configuration informationincluding: i) a wireless network identifier in which to establish awireless connection with the wireless access point, and ii) multipleresource links assigned to the particular service provider for use overa wireless link established using the wireless network identifier; andfrom the wireless access point, transmit a wireless notification to acommunication device, the wireless notification indicating: i) thewireless network identifier, and ii) the multiple corresponding resourcelinks.

Another embodiment as described herein includes computer readablestorage hardware having instructions stored thereon. The instructions,when executed by computer processor hardware, cause the computerprocessor hardware of the system to: transmit a first notificationindicating a wireless network identifier assigned to a particularservice provider associated with the wireless access point; transmit asecond notification, the second notification: i) indicating identitiesof service providers providing access through the wireless access point,and ii) notifying the communication device to use the wireless networkidentifier assigned to the wireless access point and one of multipleselectable authentication options to sign up for use of a serviceprovided by one of the service providers.

Another embodiment as described herein includes computer readablestorage hardware having instructions stored thereon. The instructions,when executed by computer processor hardware, cause the computerprocessor hardware of the system to: receive wireless notification froma wireless access point in a wireless network environment, the wirelessnotification indicating: i) a wireless network identifier in which toestablish a wireless connection with the wireless access point, and ii)multiple corresponding resource links associated with the wirelessnetwork identifier; select a resource link from the multiplecorresponding resource links; initiate association and establishment ofa wireless communication link with the wireless access point using thewireless network identifier; and communicate the selected resource linkamongst the multiple corresponding resource links to the wireless accesspoint.

Note that the ordering of the operations can vary. For example, any ofthe processing operations as discussed herein can be performed in anysuitable order.

Other embodiments of the present disclosure include software programsand/or respective hardware to perform any of the method embodimentoperations summarized above and disclosed in detail below.

It is to be understood that the system, method, apparatus, instructionson computer readable storage media, etc., as discussed herein also canbe embodied strictly as a software program, firmware, as a hybrid ofsoftware, hardware and/or firmware, or as hardware alone such as withina processor, or within an operating system or a within a softwareapplication.

As discussed herein, techniques herein are well suited for implementingon-line sign up and usage of wireless network services by each of one ormore service providers. However, it should be noted that embodimentsherein are not limited to use in such applications and that thetechniques discussed herein are well suited for other applications aswell.

Additionally, note that although each of the different features,techniques, configurations, etc., herein may be discussed in differentplaces of this disclosure, it is intended, where suitable, that each ofthe concepts can optionally be executed independently of each other orin combination with each other. Accordingly, the one or more presentinventions as described herein can be embodied and viewed in manydifferent ways.

Also, note that this preliminary discussion of embodiments hereinpurposefully does not specify every embodiment and/or incrementallynovel aspect of the present disclosure or claimed invention(s). Instead,this brief description only presents general embodiments andcorresponding points of novelty over conventional techniques. Foradditional details and/or possible perspectives (permutations) of theinvention(s), the reader is directed to the Detailed Description sectionand corresponding figures of the present disclosure as further discussedbelow.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an example diagram illustrating a network environmentsupporting online sign up and usage of wireless network servicesaccording to embodiments herein.

FIG. 2 is an example diagram illustrating multiple wireless accesspoints and corresponding wireless coverage according to embodimentsherein.

FIG. 3 is an example diagram illustrating configuration information andmultiple selectable options supporting online sign up and usage ofwireless network services according to embodiments herein.

FIG. 4 is an example diagram illustrating use of a wireless networkidentifier and corresponding communications supporting online sign up ofwireless network services according to embodiments herein.

FIG. 5 is an example diagram illustrating use of wireless networkservices based on a wireless network identifier according to embodimentsherein.

FIG. 6 is an example diagram illustrating a computer system to carry outoperations according to embodiments herein.

FIGS. 7-9 are example diagrams illustrating methods according toembodiments herein.

The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of theinvention will be apparent from the following more particulardescription of preferred embodiments herein, as illustrated in theaccompanying drawings in which like reference characters refer to thesame parts throughout the different views. The drawings are notnecessarily to scale, with emphasis instead being placed uponillustrating the embodiments, principles, concepts, etc.

Detailed Description and Further Summary of Embodiments

In accordance with one embodiment, a wireless access point receivesconfiguration information assigned to a particular service provider. Theconfiguration information includes information indicating a wirelessnetwork identifier (such as a network name or SSID value) assigned tothe particular service provider and corresponding wireless access point.The wireless network identifier is available for use by communicationdevices to establish a wireless connection with the wireless accesspoint and perform multiple different functions.

In one embodiment, the configuration information assigned to theparticular service provider includes multiple corresponding selectableoptions (such as resource links), each of which supports a differentfunction associated with the particular service provider. The wirelessaccess point distributes the configuration information assigned to theservice provider to a user-operated communication device.

Via use of the wireless network identifier, the user-operatedcommunication device is able to request to establish a wirelesscommunication link with the wireless access point. The communicationdevice communicates a selected one of the multiple options to thewireless access point to indicate which of multiple functions (such asonline sign-up or actual use of wireless network services) is beingrequested.

In accordance with further embodiments as presented in greater detailbelow, depending on the selected option and corresponding wirelessnetwork identifier, the wireless access point initiates different typesof authentication needed to perform the different types of requestedservices.

Now, more specifically, FIG. 1 is an example diagram illustrating anetwork environment according to embodiments herein.

As shown, network environment 100 includes resources such as remoteauthentication server 150, wireless access points 105 (includingwireless access point 105-1, 105-2, 105-3, 105-4, 105-5, etc.), serverresources 195-1, server resource 195-2, server resource 195-3,communication device 120-1, gateway resource 160, network 190-1, etc.

Note that each of the resources in FIG. 1 (and other FIGS.) representsand/or includes appropriate hardware, software, or a combination ofhardware and software to carry out functionality as discussed herein.Further note that the term wireless access point as described hereinrefers to any of one or more wireless access resources (radio frequencyinterface, access point controller, etc.) managing wirelesscommunications in network environment 100.

In general, network environment 100 includes resources that collectivelyprovide wireless connectivity between mobile communication devices and acorresponding network such as the Internet. For pre-existingsubscribers, each of the wireless access points 105 enables a respectivecommunication device to establish a respective wireless connection.Subsequent to being authenticated by the remote authentication server150, a combination of the respective wireless access point andcorresponding gateway resource 160 provide the communication deviceaccess to any of one or more target resources in network 190-1 (such asthe Internet).

As previously discussed, a downside of conventional wireless networks isthe need to allocate multiple network names such as multiple differentSSID values by each operating service provider for instances in whichthe service provider would like to provide multiple functions throughthe respective wireless access point. For example, at least one SSIDmust be allocated by the service provider to enable online sign-up ofwireless network services from each of the hosted service providers andat least one SSID must be allocated by each of the service providers foruse by the pre-existing authorized local or roaming subscribers to usethe wireless network services. Thus, from the perspective of a userdevice, for such a given service provider, one SSID or given serviceprovider is used to signup for services; another SSID of the givenservice provider is allocated to support use of the wireless services bycurrent subscribers. Embodiments herein alleviate this requirement asfurther discussed below.

More specifically, in contrast to conventional techniques, in oneexample embodiment, each wireless access point in the networkenvironment 100 is assigned one or more wireless network identifiers(such as one or more different SSID values) to support communications onbehalf of one or more service providers. Assume in this example that thewireless access point 105-1 is at least partially made available and/orowned by the TWX Corporation and that wireless access point 105-1provides corresponding pre-existing TWX subscribers access to network190-1 through gateway resource 160. Users and correspondingcommunication devices in network environment 100 utilize the wirelessnetwork identifiers (such as SSID values) as a basis in which to performassociation and establish a wireless communication link with arespective wireless access point.

As indicated by subscription information 139-1, assume in this exampleembodiment, the user 108-1 of communication device 120-1 is initiallynot a subscriber to the TWX services. In such an instance, the user108-1 of communication device 120-1 is not able to use the TWX services,which includes wireless access point 105-2, wireless access point 105-5,etc.

The following FIG. 2 illustrates how respective user 108-1 andcorresponding communication device 120-1 have no wireless coverage orcapability available when the subscriber is not a subscriber of TWXsponsored services as indicated by subscription information 139-1.

More specifically, FIG. 2 is an example diagram illustrating overlappingwireless coverage provided by multiple wireless access points in anetwork environment according to embodiments herein.

As shown, a first set of multiple wireless access points includingwireless access point 105-1, wireless access point 105-3, wirelessaccess point 105-4, etc., are associated with a first service provider(namely, TWX corp.). Assume that the first service provider (TWX) atleast partially owns, operates, pays fees for use of, rents, etc., thefirst set of wireless access points to provide wireless connectivity tocorresponding subscribers in network environment 100.

As further shown, a second set of multiple wireless access pointsincluding wireless access point 105-2, wireless access point 105-5,etc., are associated with second service provider (namely, RINGERcorp.). The second service provider (RINGER) at least partially owns,operates, rents, etc., the second set of wireless access points toprovide wireless connectivity to corresponding subscribers in networkenvironment 100.

Each of the wireless access points 105 provides wireless coverage to oneor more respective users within wireless range. For example, thewireless access point 105-1 provides wireless network connectivity tousers in region of wireless coverage 107-1; wireless access point 105-3provides wireless network connectivity to users in a region of wirelesscoverage 107-3; wireless access point 105-4 provides wireless networkconnectivity to users in a region of wireless coverage 107-4; and so on.The wireless access point 105-2 provides wireless network connectivityto users in region of wireless coverage 107-2; wireless access point105-5 provides wireless network connectivity to users in region ofwireless coverage 107-5; and so on.

FIG. 4 is an example diagram illustrating use of a wireless networkidentifier and corresponding authentication communications to supportonline sign up of wireless network services according to embodimentsherein.

In this example embodiment, assume that the user 108-1 would like toexpand his/her wireless network coverage such that the user 108-1 isable to operate the communication device 120-1 in more geographicalregions such as including TWX wireless coverage regions supported byTWX. In such an instance, the user 108-1 initiates signing up forwireless network services provided by one or more additional serviceproviders as further discussed below.

Recall that the user 108-1 and corresponding communication device 120-1do not yet subscribe to TWC services. To obtain increased coverage,assume that the user 108-1 would like to sign up for use of TWX wirelessnetwork services.

Assume that the user 108-1 operates the communication device 120-1 whilein a vicinity of the wireless access point 105-1. Via communications 315such as one or more wireless messages, the wireless access point 105-1transmits a respective beacon or probe response to the communicationdevice 120-1.

In one embodiment, the communications 315 include information indicatingpresence and availability of the wireless access point 105-1 in thenetwork environment 100. Further, the communications 315 include anotification indicating that the wireless access point 105-1 supportsdistribution of so-called passpoint information.

To learn of service providers associated with the wireless access point105-1, and retrieve corresponding pass point information indicating theone or more service provider supported by the corresponding wirelessaccess point 105-1, the communication device 120-1 transmits a query(such as a pass point information query) to the wireless access point105-1. In response to receiving the query from the communication device120-1 requesting service provider support information, the wirelessaccess point 105-1 transmits all or a portion of the configurationinformation 136 in FIG. 3 to the communication device 120-1.

Transmission of the configuration information 136 to the communicationdevice over a wireless communication link notifies the communicationdevice 120-1 of the different service providers supported by thewireless access point 105-1 as well as corresponding informationenabling the respective user 108-1 of the communication device 120-1 toexecute different functions associated with a respective serviceprovider such as: i) signing up to become a subscriber of correspondingwireless network services provided by the respective service provider,ii) using wireless network services provided by the respective serviceprovider, etc.

As shown in FIG. 3, by way of non-limiting example embodiment, theconfiguration information 136 provided to the communication device 120-1indicates that the wireless network identifier TWX-WIFI (such as anSSID) has been assigned to the service provider TWX. As furtherdiscussed below, via the first selectable option (resource link)OSU.TWX.COM associated with wireless network identifier TWX-WIFI, thecorresponding user 108-1 can sign up for use of wireless networkservices provided by service provider TWX through the wireless accesspoint 105-1. Subsequent to becoming a subscriber, via the secondselectable option (resource link) TWX.COM associated with the wirelessnetwork identifier TWX-WIFI, the corresponding user 108-1 can use thewireless network services provided by service provider TWX through thewireless access point 105-1 to access network 190-1.

Thus, rather than associating each of the resource links (selectableoptions) with a corresponding different unique wireless networkidentifier or SSID, embodiments herein include associating multipleresource links (such as one resource link to sign up for services andanother resource link to use wireless network services) to a samewireless network identifier (such as SSID). That is, both resource linksOSU.TWX.COM and TWX.COM are assigned wireless network identifierTWX-WIFI; both resource links OSU.JAMMIN.COM and JAMMIN.COM are assignedwireless network identifier JAMMIN-WIFI; etc.

As further described herein, as further shown in FIG. 4, selection ofthe first option such as OSU.TWX.COM in a request to establish awireless communication link using the wireless network identifierTWX-WIFI indicates that a user 108-1 of the communication device 120-1is attempting to subscribe to the wireless network services via on-linesign up services. Selection of the second option such as TWX.COM in arequest to establish a wireless communication link using the wirelessnetwork identifier TWX-WIFI indicates that a user 108-1 of thecommunication device 120-1 is requesting to use the available thewireless network services provided by service provider TWX.

Further in this example, as previously discussed, the user 108-1initially is not a TWX subscriber. Assume, as previously discussed, thatthe user 108-1 desires to subscribe to the wireless network servicesprovided by TWX. In such an instance, to sign up for wireless networkservices provided by service provider TWX, via communications 330, thecommunication device 120-1 uses the wireless network identifier TWX-WIFIto establish a corresponding wireless communication link 128-1 betweenthe communication device 120-1 and the wireless access point 105-1.

During the association (connection request via communications 330), thecommunication device 120-1 forwards the selected option includingresource link OSU.TWX.COM to the wireless access point 105-1 to notifythe wireless access point 105-1 that the user 108-1 would like to signup for services provided by service provider TWX.

Additionally, because the user 108-1 is not yet a subscriber, viacommunications 330 the communication device 120-1 conveys a value ofANONYMOUS (or other suitable value) along with the resource linkOSU.TWX.COM to notify the wireless access point 105-1 that the user108-1 is a new user and not yet a subscriber.

In response to receiving the connection request via communications 330,the wireless access point 105-1 forwards the connection request andcorresponding received information (such as ANONYMOUS@OSU.TWX.COM) fromthe communication device 120-1 to the remote authentication server 150via communications 332. Use of the unique network address OSU.TWX.COMdifferentiates the on-line sign up process requested by the user 108-1from other requests for normal passpoint traffic sessions attempting touse the wireless network identifier to use wireless network servicesprovided by the service provider TWX.

Thus, the conveyance of information such as the values ANONYMOUS andOSU.TWX.COM provide notification to the wireless access point 105-1 andremote authentication server 150 that the user 108-1 associated withcommunication device 120-1 has not yet been authorized to use wirelessnetwork services provided by the service provider TWX.

After the remote authentication server 150 discovers that communicationdevice 120-1 and user 108-1 does not yet have a subscription to providedby the service provider TWX, the remote authentication server 150furthers association of the communication device 120-1 to the wirelessaccess point 105-1 using the wireless network identifier TWX-WIFI basedon an anonymous authentication method such as an authentication based onanonymous EAP-TLS.

Via further communications 335, in accordance with further embodimentsin FIG. 4, the wireless access point 105-1 examines information receivedfrom the communication device 120-1 such as EAP-Identity informationsent from the communication device 120-1 during the anonymous EAP-TLS.If the identity information specifies the OSU_NAI (on-line sign upnetwork address information OSU.TWX.COM) that was sent in theconfiguration information 136-1 (a.k.a., OSU_Provider_List (I.E.), thewireless access point 105-1 as well as the remote authentication server150 (sometimes known as a AAA server) treat thisassociation/authentication as an on-line sign up access and carry outthe anonymous EAP-TLS authentication with the remote authenticationserver 150. Otherwise, as further discussed below with respect to FIG.5, the remote authentication server 150 treats the session as productionPasspoint access authentication and carries out the type of the EAPauthentication that is defined for the production Passpoint access.

In this example embodiment, because the communication device 120-1transmits the request to use online sign up services, the remoteauthentication server 150 marks the device session as an on-line sign upsession (as opposed to a production session as discussed below in FIG.5).

At the end of the anonymous EAP-TLS authentication (duringcommunications 335), via further communications 340, the wireless accesspoint 105-1 supports exchange of appropriate security information suchas encryption keys such that the wireless communication link 128-1between the communication device 120-1 and the wireless access point105-1 is secured via encryption.

In one embodiment, to support a key exchange, the wireless access point105-1 performs OSEN (The OSU Server-only authenticated layer 2Encryption Network) 4-way handshakes with the device instead of usingregular RSNE (Robust Security Network Element).

Via further communications 350, the communication device 120-1 attemptsto communicate through the wireless access point 105-1 to the serverresource 195-1 (assigned network address OSU.TWX.COM) to sign up for useof wireless network services. The gateway resource 160 intercepts thecorresponding data traffic to learn of an attempt by the communicationdevice 120-1 to communicate with the server resource 195-1. As its nameto just, the gateway resource 160 acts as a gateway and controls a flowof communications between the wireless access points 105 andcorresponding network 190-1.

Subsequent to intercepting the communications 350, via communications370, the gateway resource 160 queries the remote authentication server150 that previously authenticated the communication device 120-1 usinganonymous EAP-TLS and using the communication device 120-1 identity(such as a WiFi™ MAC address assigned to the communication device120-1). The gateway resource 160 queries the remote authenticationserver 150 to determine whether the communication device 120-1 should beallowed use of the gateway resource 160 to access a server resource innetwork 190-1.

In one embodiment, during the query, the remote authentication server150 returns a specific service name in the Access-Accept reply for thecurrent valid OSU anonymous EAP-TLS authentication associated with thecommunication device 120-1. The service name is configured in theInternet access gateway to apply a Walled-Garden ACL (Access ControlList) to the devices running as OSU sessions; the ACL should only allowthe user equipment (mobile communication device) access to a list ofon-line sign up resource links such as target on-line sign up resourcesas specified by OSU URLs as opposed to allowing the communication device120-1 to access any website because the user 108-1 is not yet asubscriber. In other words, in this instance, the remote authenticationserver 150 notifies the gateway resource 160 to restrict thecommunication device 120-1 to communicate with only server resource195-1 to allow the use 108-1 to sign up for TWX services.

As further shown, via communications 375, in accordance with thetemporary authorization received from the remote authentication server150, the gateway resource 160 enables the communication device 120-1 tocommunicate through the wireless access point 105-1 and the gatewayresource 160 to the server resource 195-1. During subsequent sign-up viacommunications 375, the service provider operating the server resource195-1 receives information associated with the user 108-1 andcorresponding communication device 120-1 (such as a name of the user108-1, address of the user, attributes of the correspondingcommunication device 120-1, the address of the communication device120-1, etc.).

In one embodiment, during communications 375 of signing up for wirelessnetwork services provided by the service provider TWX, the serverresource 195-1 forwards association information 410-1 to thecommunication device 120-1 for storage. The association information410-1 can include information such as user security associationinformation and/or credentials (authentication credentials, username,password, unique values, etc.) to be used upon a subsequent connectionwith the wireless access point to authenticate the communication device120-1 to use wireless network services provided by the service providerTWX. Additionally, the association information 410-1 can include accesspolicy information indicating the type of access to be provided to thecorresponding communication device 120-1 upon a subsequent connectionusing the wireless network identifier TWX-WIFI and resource linkTWX.COM.

After the user 108-1 and corresponding communication device 120-1 havecompleted sign up for use of wireless network services provided byservice provider to the TWX via communications with the server resource195-1 and receiving configuration information 410-1, the communicationdevice 120-1 can be configured to disconnect (terminate the respectiveon-line sign up session over wireless communication link 128-1) andreconnect with the wireless access point 105-1 using network addressinformation TWX.COM using the wireless network identifier TWX-WIFI. Insuch an instance, as further discussed below, the reconnect can includeusing standard Passpoint authentication (such as EAP-TTLS, EAP-TLS,EAP-PEAP, EAP-SIM/AKA, etc.) and RSNE procedures. The remoteauthentication server 150 that receives the Passpoint EAP authenticationwill authenticate the user 108-1 and mark the communication device 120-1as being a standard Passpoint access device instead of an on-line signup (OSU) access device.

In a similar manner, the respective user 108-1 can sign up andsubsequently use wireless network services provided by service providerJAMMIN, RINGER, etc., assuming that the user 108-1 is not yet asubscriber of such services.

FIG. 5 is an example diagram illustrating use of wireless networkservices based on a wireless network identifier according to embodimentsherein.

Subsequent to expanding at least coverage via signing up for use ofcorresponding wireless network services provided by the service providerTWX, the communication device 120-1 updates the correspondingsubscription information 139-1 to indicate that the user 108-1 is a TWXsubscriber. Assume that the user 108-1 operates the communication device120-1 while in a vicinity of the wireless access point 105-1. Viacommunications 515 such as one or more wireless messages, the wirelessaccess point 105-1 transmits a respective beacon or probe response tothe communication device 120-1. As previously discussed, thecommunications 515 can include information indicating presence andavailability of the wireless access point 105-1 in the networkenvironment 100.

In one embodiment, the communications 515 include a notificationindicating that the wireless access point 105-1 supports distribution ofpasspoint information.

Via further communications 520, to learn of supported service providersassociated with the wireless access point 105-1, and retrievecorresponding pass point information indicating the one or more serviceprovider supported by the corresponding wireless access point 105-1, thecommunication device 120-1 transmits a query (such as a pass pointinformation query) to the wireless access point 105-1. In response toreceiving the query from the communication device 120-1 requestingservice provider support information, the wireless access point 105-1transmits all or a portion of the configuration information 136 as shownin FIG. 3 to the communication device 120-1.

As previously discussed, transmission of the configuration information136 to the communication device over the wireless communication link128-1 notifies the communication device 120-1 of the different serviceproviders supported by the wireless access point 105-1 as well ascorresponding information enabling the respective user 108-1 of thecommunication device 120-1 to execute different functions associatedwith a respective service provider such as: i) signing up to become asubscriber of corresponding wireless network services provided by therespective service provider, ii) using wireless network servicesprovided by the respective service provider, etc.

Assume that the communication device 120-1 would like to establish awireless communication link with the wireless access point 105-1.Because the communication user 108-1 is now a subscriber to TWX servicesas indicated by updated subscription information 139 and based on signupas discussed above, during the association (connection request viacommunications 530), the communication device 120-1 forwards theselected option (resource link TWX.COM) to the wireless access point105-1 to notify the wireless access point 105-1 that the user 108-1would like to use the wireless network services provided by serviceprovider TWX.

Additionally, because the user 108-1 is now a TWX subscriber, viacommunications 530 the communication device 120-1 conveys an assignedidentity of the user 108-1 and/or communication device 120-1 (asretrieved from association information 410-1) to notify the wirelessaccess point 105-1 that the user 108-1 is a pre-existing user.

In response to receiving the connection request via communications 530,the wireless access point 105-1 forwards the connection request andcorresponding received information (such as identity of the user and theselected resource link TWX.COM) from the communication device 120-1 tothe remote authentication server 150 via communications 532. Thisnotifies the authentication server 190-1 of the identity of thecommunication device 120-1 and/or user 108-1 as well as the attempt touse the wireless network services provided by the service provider TWX.

After the remote authentication server 150 discovers that communicationdevice 120-1 and user 108-1 do have a subscription to TWX and should beprovided wireless network services associated with the service providerTWX, the remote authentication server 150 furthers association with andauthentication of the communication device 120-1 using the wirelessnetwork identifier TWX-WIFI.

Via yet further communications 535, in accordance with furtherembodiments, the wireless access point 105-1 examines informationreceived from the communication device 120-1 such as EAP-Identityinformation sent from the communication device 120-1 duringauthentication. The remote authentication server 150 treats thisrequested session as production Passpoint access authentication andcarries out the type of the EAP authentication that is defined for theproduction Passpoint access. In one embodiment, via communications 535,the communication device 120-1 is required to provide appropriatesecurity information to the remote authentication server 150 to provethat the computer device 120-1 should be allowed use of the wirelessaccess point 105-1 and corresponding gateway resource 160.

Subsequent to authentication of the communication device 120-1 based atleast in part on use of association information 410-1, via furthercommunications 540, the wireless access point 105-1 supports exchange ofencryption keys such that the wireless communication link 128-1 betweenthe communication device 120-1 and the wireless access point 105-1 issecured via encryption.

Via further communications 550, the communication device 120-1 attemptsto communicate through the wireless access point 105-1 to the serverresource 195-2 (assigned network address TWX.COM) to use correspondingwireless network services. The gateway resource 160 intercepts thecorresponding data traffic to learn of an attempt by the communicationdevice 120-1 to communicate with the server resource 195-2.

Subsequent to intercepting the communications 550, via subsequentcommunications 570 with the remote authentication server 150, thegateway resource 160 queries the remote authentication server 150 todetermine whether the communication device 120-1 should be allowed useof the gateway resource 160. In this instance, the remote authenticationserver 150 notifies the gateway resource 160 to provide thecommunication device 120-1 access to the server resource 195-2.

After the user 108-1 and corresponding communication device 120-1 havecompleted authentication, and authorization with server resource 195-2,the communication device 120-1 is able to use wireless network servicesprovided by service provider to the TWX to access any server resourcesin network 190-1. In one embodiment, the network 190-1 includes theInternet.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example computer architecture inwhich to execute any of the functionality according to embodimentsherein. Any of the different processing techniques can be implementedvia execution of software code on computer processor hardware. Computersystem 850 may reside in the communication device 120-1; computer system850 may reside in a respective wireless access point; computer systemmay reside in the remote authentication server 150; and so on.

As shown, computer system 850 (e.g., computer processor hardware) of thepresent example can include an interconnect 811 that couples computerreadable storage media 812 such as a non-transitory type of media (i.e.,any type of hardware storage medium) in which digital information can bestored and retrieved. The computer system 850 can further includeprocessor 813 (i.e., computer processor hardware such as one or moreprocessor co-located or disparately located processor devices), I/Ointerface 814, communications interface 817, etc.

Note again that the computer system 850 can be located at any suitablelocations in network environment 100 to carry out the operations asdiscussed herein. For example, computer processor hardware (i.e.,processor 813 and/or computer system 850) and/or wireless access pointapplication 140-APP can be located in a single location or can bedistributed amongst multiple locations. Wireless access pointapplication 140-APP can be configured to execute the operations asdiscussed with respect to any of the wireless access points. A similarcomputer system can be implemented to execute instructions associatedwith the remote authentication server 150, communication device 120-1,etc.

As its name suggests, I/O interface 814 provides connectivity toresources such as repository 480, input resource 892, one or moredisplay screens, etc.

Computer readable storage medium 812 can be any hardware storage deviceto store data such as memory, optical storage, hard drive, floppy disk,etc. In one embodiment, the computer readable storage medium 812 storesinstructions and/or data associated with management application 140-1.

Communications interface 817 enables the computer system 850 andprocessor resource 813 to communicate over a resource such as any ofnetworks 890. I/O interface 814 enables processor resource 813 to accessdata from a local or remote location, control a respective displayscreen, receive input, etc.

As shown, computer readable storage media 812 can be encoded withwireless access point application 140-APP (e.g., software, firmware,etc.) executed by processor 813. Wireless access point application140-APP can be configured to include instructions to implement any ofthe operations as discussed herein associated with the wireless accesspoint 105-1.

During operation of one embodiment, processor 813 accesses computerreadable storage media 812 via the use of interconnect 811 in order tolaunch, run, execute, interpret or otherwise perform the instructions inwireless access point application 140-APP stored on computer readablestorage medium 812.

Execution of the wireless access point application 140-APP producesprocessing functionality such as wireless access point process 140-PROCin processor resource 813. In other words, the wireless access pointprocess 140-PROC associated with processor resource 813 represents oneor more aspects of executing wireless access point application 140-APPwithin or upon the processor resource 813 in the computer system 850.

Those skilled in the art will understand that the computer system 850can include other processes and/or software and hardware components,such as an operating system that controls allocation and use of hardwareresources to execute wireless access point application 140-APP.

In accordance with different embodiments, note that computer system maybe any of various types of devices, including, but not limited to, aset-top box, access point, a mobile computer, a personal computersystem, a wireless device, base station, phone device, desktop computer,laptop, notebook, netbook computer, mainframe computer system, handheldcomputer, workstation, network computer, application server, storagedevice, a consumer electronics device such as a camera, camcorder, settop box, mobile device, video game console, handheld video game device,a peripheral device such as a switch, modem, router, etc., or in generalany type of computing or electronic device.

The computer system 850 may reside at any location or multiple locationsin network environment 100. The computer system 850 can be included inany suitable resource in network environment 100 to implement any of thefunctionality as discussed herein.

As previously discussed, note again that each of the other functions asdiscussed herein can be executed in a respective computer system basedon execution of corresponding instructions. For example, communicationdevice can include respective computer readable storage medium andprocessor hardware to execute the operations performed by communicationdevice 120-1.

Functionality supported by the different resources will now be discussedvia flowcharts in FIGS. 7-9. Note that the steps in the flowcharts belowcan be executed in any suitable order.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart 700 illustrating an example method according toembodiments herein. Note that there will be some overlap with respect toconcepts as discussed above.

In processing operation 710, the wireless access point 105-1 (or othersuitable resource) receives configuration information 136 assigned to aparticular service provider TWX. The configuration information 136includes: i) a wireless network identifier such as TWX-WIFI in which toestablish a wireless connection with the wireless access point 105-1,and ii) multiple resource links (selectable options) such as includingOSU.TWX.COM and TWX.COM assigned to the particular service provider TWX.

In processing operation 720, the wireless access point 105-1 transmits awireless notification such as via communications 320 to communicationdevice 120-1. The wireless notification such as support informationincludes: i) the wireless network identifier TWX-WIFI, and ii) themultiple corresponding selectable option including resource linksOSU.TWX.COM and TWX.COM assigned to the particular service provider TWX.

In processing operation 730, during association, the wireless accesspoint 105-1 initiates authentication of the communication device 120-1in one of multiple different manners depending on selection of one ofthe corresponding resource links used in conjunction with the wirelessnetwork identifier to establish wireless communication link 128-1.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart 800 illustrating an example method according toembodiments herein. Note that there will be some overlap with respect toconcepts as discussed above.

In processing operation 810, the wireless access point 105-1 (or othersuitable resource) transmits a first notification (such as viacommunications 520 or communications 620) indicating a wireless networkidentifier TWX-WIFI assigned to a particular service provider TWXassociated with the wireless access point 105-1.

In processing operation 820, the wireless access point 105-1 transmits asecond notification such as via communications 520 or communications620. The second notification: i) indicates wireless network identitiesof multiple service providers providing access through the wirelessaccess point 105-1, and ii) notifies the communication device 120-1 touse the wireless network identifier TWX-WIFI and one of multipleselectable authentication options (such as OSU.TWX.COM) to sign up foruse of wireless network services provided by the particular serviceprovider TWX.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart 900 illustrating an example method according toembodiments herein. Note that there will be some overlap with respect toconcepts as discussed above.

In processing operation 910, the communication device 120-1 receiveswireless notification such as via communications 520 or communications620 from wireless access point 105-1. The wireless notificationindicates: i) a wireless network identifier TWX-WIFI in which toestablish a wireless connection with the wireless access point, and ii)multiple corresponding resource links (such as OSU.TWX.COM and TWX.COM)associated with the wireless network identifier TWX-WIFI.

In processing operation 920, the communication device 120-1 selects aresource link from the multiple corresponding resource links.

In processing operation 930, the communication device 120-1 initiatesassociation and establishment of a wireless communication link 128-1with the wireless access point 105-1 using the wireless networkidentifier TWX-WIFI.

In processing operation 940, the communication device 120-1 communicatesthe selected resource link to the wireless access point 105-1 inconjunction with using the wireless network identifier to establish thewireless communication link 128-1.

Note again that techniques herein are well suited for expandingfunctionality associated with use of network SSID names assigned to awireless access point. However, it should be noted that embodimentsherein are not limited to use in such applications and that thetechniques discussed herein are well suited for other applications aswell.

Based on the description set forth herein, numerous specific detailshave been set forth to provide a thorough understanding of claimedsubject matter. However, it will be understood by those skilled in theart that claimed subject matter may be practiced without these specificdetails. In other instances, methods, apparatuses, systems, etc., thatwould be known by one of ordinary skill have not been described indetail so as not to obscure claimed subject matter. Some portions of thedetailed description have been presented in terms of algorithms orsymbolic representations of operations on data bits or binary digitalsignals stored within a computing system memory, such as a computermemory. These algorithmic descriptions or representations are examplesof techniques used by those of ordinary skill in the data processingarts to convey the substance of their work to others skilled in the art.An algorithm as described herein, and generally, is considered to be aself-consistent sequence of operations or similar processing leading toa desired result. In this context, operations or processing involvephysical manipulation of physical quantities. Typically, although notnecessarily, such quantities may take the form of electrical or magneticsignals capable of being stored, transferred, combined, compared orotherwise manipulated. It has been convenient at times, principally forreasons of common usage, to refer to such signals as bits, data, values,elements, symbols, characters, terms, numbers, numerals or the like. Itshould be understood, however, that all of these and similar terms areto be associated with appropriate physical quantities and are merelyconvenient labels. Unless specifically stated otherwise, as apparentfrom the following discussion, it is appreciated that throughout thisspecification discussions utilizing terms such as “processing,”“computing,” “calculating,” “determining” or the like refer to actionsor processes of a computing platform, such as a computer or a similarelectronic computing device, that manipulates or transforms datarepresented as physical electronic or magnetic quantities withinmemories, registers, or other information storage devices, transmissiondevices, or display devices of the computing platform.

While this invention has been particularly shown and described withreferences to preferred embodiments thereof, it will be understood bythose skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may bemade therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the presentapplication as defined by the appended claims. Such variations areintended to be covered by the scope of this present application. Assuch, the foregoing description of embodiments of the presentapplication is not intended to be limiting. Rather, any limitations tothe invention are presented in the following claims.

We claim:
 1. A method comprising: via computer processor hardware in awireless access point: receiving configuration information assigned to aparticular service provider that provides access through the wirelessaccess point, the configuration information including: i) a wirelessnetwork identifier in which to establish a wireless connection with thewireless access point, and ii) multiple resource links assigned to theparticular service provider for use by a communication device tocommunicate over a wireless link established with the wireless accesspoint using the wireless network identifier; and from the wirelessaccess point, transmitting a wireless notification to the communicationdevice, the wireless notification indicating: i) the wireless networkidentifier, and ii) the multiple resource links assigned to theparticular service provider.
 2. The method as in claim 1, wherein themultiple resource links includes: a first link selectable by a useroperating the communication device to subscribe to wireless networkservices provided by the particular service provider through thewireless access point; and a second link selectable by existingsubscribers of the particular service provider to utilize the wirelessnetwork services provided by the particular service provider through thewireless access point, the wireless network services including access toa remote network.
 3. The method as in claim 2, wherein selection of thefirst link in a request to establish a wireless communication link usingthe wireless network identifier indicates that a user of thecommunication device is attempting to subscribe to the wireless networkservices.
 4. The method as in claim 2, wherein selection of the secondlink in a request to associate the communication device with thewireless access point using the wireless network identifier indicatesthat a user of the communication device is a pre-existing subscriberattempting to use the wireless network services provided by theparticular service provider.
 5. The method as in claim 2 furthercomprising: receiving a request from the communication device toestablish the wireless link between the communication device and thewireless access point based on the wireless network identifier, therequest including selection of the first link indicating that the userof the communication device requests to subscribe to the wirelessnetwork services provided by the particular service provider; and inresponse to receiving the request, initiating communications with anauthentication server to provide the user of the communication deviceaccess to a remote server resource as specified by the first link tosign up for the wireless network services.
 6. The method as in claim 5,wherein initiating communications with the authentication serverincludes: providing notification to the authentication server that theuser of the communication device is not yet a subscriber of theparticular service provider; and receiving authorization from theauthentication server to temporarily provide the communication deviceaccess over the wireless communication link to the remote serverresource as specified by the first link, the remote server resourceaccessible by the user to sign up for wireless network services providedby the particular service provider.
 7. The method as in claim 6 furthercomprising: subsequent to the user communicating with the remote serverresource to sign up to use the wireless network services provided by theparticular service provider, receiving a message from the user tocommunicate with a second server resource as specified by the secondlink; and in response to receiving the message, authorizing the user touse the wireless network services provided by the particular serviceprovider.
 8. The method as in claim 1, wherein the wireless networkidentifier is an SSID value assigned to the particular service provider.9. The method as in claim 1, wherein the transmitted wirelessnotification includes identities of multiple service providers thatsupport communications through the wireless access point, the identitiesincluding an identity of the particular service provider.
 10. The methodas in claim 1, wherein the multiple resource links includes: i) a firstlink indicating an address of a first server resource, and ii) a secondlink indicating an address of a second server resource, the methodfurther comprising: establishing the wireless link between thecommunication device and the wireless access point, the wireless linkproviding a user of the communication device access to: i) the firstserver resource via the first link, and ii) the second server resourcevia the second link.
 11. The method as in claim 10 further comprising:conveying communications over the wireless link to register the user asa subscriber of services provided by the particular service provider.12. The method as in claim 1, wherein the multiple resource linksincludes: a first link indicating a server resource, the first linkselectable by a user operating the communication device to subscribe towireless network services provided by the particular service providerthrough the wireless access point.
 13. The method as in claim 1, whereinthe multiple resource links includes a first resource link in which tocommunicate with a first server resource as specified by the firstresource link; and wherein the multiple resource links includes a secondresource link in which to communicate with a second server resource asspecified by the second resource link.
 14. The method as in claim 1further comprising: subsequent to transmitting the wirelessnotification, receiving a connection request from the communicationdevice to establish the wireless link, the connection request includingone of the multiple resource links selected by a user operating thecommunication device.
 15. The method as in claim 1, wherein the wirelessnotification is a response to the communication device, the wirelessnotification indicating availability of the wireless access point tosupport wireless communications prior to establishing the wireless link.16. The method as in claim 1, wherein the particular service provider isa first service provider; and wherein the wireless network identifier isa first wireless network identifier as specified by the configurationinformation, the configuration information further indicating: i) asecond wireless network identifier in which to establish a wirelessconnection with the wireless access point, and ii) multiple resourcelinks assigned to a second service provider for use by a communicationdevice to communicate over a wireless link established with the wirelessaccess point using the second wireless network identifier.
 17. Themethod as in claim 1, wherein the wireless network identifier includestext indicating an identity of the particular service provider.
 18. Themethod as in claim 1, wherein the particular service provider is a firstservice provider; wherein the wireless network identifier is a firstwireless network identifier assigned to the first service provider; andwherein the wireless network identifier enables the communication deviceto establish the wireless link with the wireless access point, and: i)register with a second wireless service provider, and ii) subsequent toregistering, use subscription services supported by the second serviceprovider using a second wireless network identifier, the second wirelessnetwork identifier assigned to the second service provider.
 19. A methodcomprising: via computer processor hardware in a wireless access point:receiving configuration information assigned to a particular serviceprovider, the configuration information including: i) a wireless networkidentifier in which to establish a wireless connection with the wirelessaccess point, and ii) multiple resource links assigned to the particularservice provider for use over a wireless link established using thewireless network identifier; from the wireless access point,transmitting a wireless notification to a communication device, thewireless notification indicating: i) the wireless network identifier,and ii) the multiple resource links; and transmitting the wirelessnotification to include service provider information associated with thewireless access point, the service provider information indicatingidentities of multiple service providers that support communicationsthrough the wireless access point, the identities including an identityof the particular service provider.
 20. The method as in claim 19,wherein the wireless network identifier enables the communication deviceto establish a connection with the wireless access point and: i)register with the multiple service providers and ii) subsequent toregistering, use subscription services supported by the multiple serviceproviders.
 21. The method as in claim 20, wherein the wireless networkidentifier is an SSID.
 22. A system comprising: computer processorhardware; and a hardware storage resource coupled to communicate withthe computer processor hardware, the hardware storage resource storinginstructions that, when executed by the computer processor hardware,causes the computer processor hardware to perform operations of:receiving configuration information assigned to a particular serviceprovider, the configuration information including: i) a wireless networkidentifier in which to establish a wireless connection with the wirelessaccess point, and ii) multiple resource links assigned to the particularservice provider for use over a wireless link established using thewireless network identifier; and from the wireless access point,transmitting a wireless notification to a communication device, thewireless notification indicating: i) the wireless network identifier,and ii) the multiple resource links.
 23. The computer system as in claim22, wherein the multiple resource links includes: a first linkselectable to subscribe to wireless network services provided by theparticular service provider through the wireless access point; and asecond link selectable by existing subscribers of the particular serviceprovider to utilize the wireless network services provided by theparticular service provider through the wireless access point, thewireless network services including access to a remote network.
 24. Thecomputer system as in claim 22, wherein selection of the first link in arequest to establish a wireless communication link using the wirelessnetwork identifier indicates that a user of the communication device isattempting to subscribe to the wireless network services.
 25. Thecomputer system as in claim 22, wherein selection of the second link ina request to associate the communication device with the wireless accesspoint using the wireless network identifier indicates that a user of thecommunication device is a pre-existing subscriber attempting to use thewireless network services provided by the particular service provider.26. The computer system as in claim 22, wherein the computer processorhardware further performs operations of: receiving a request from thecommunication device to establish a wireless communication link betweenthe communication device and the wireless access point based on thewireless network identifier, the request including selection of thefirst link indicating that a user of the communication device requeststo subscribe to the wireless network services provided by the particularservice provider; and in response to receiving the request, initiatingcommunications with an authentication server to provide the user of thecommunication device access to a remote server resource as specified bythe first link to sign up for the wireless network services.
 27. Thecomputer system as in claim 26, wherein initiating communications withthe authentication server includes: providing notification to theauthentication server that the user of the communication device is notyet a subscriber of the particular service provider; and receivingauthorization from the authentication server to temporarily provide thecommunication device access over the wireless communication link to theremote server resource as specified by the first link, the remote serverresource accessible by the user to sign up for wireless network servicesprovided by the particular service provider.
 28. The computer system asin claim 27, wherein the computer processor hardware further performsoperations of: subsequent to the user communicating with the remoteserver resource to sign up to use the wireless network services providedby the particular service provider, receiving a message from the user tocommunicate with a second server resource as specified by the secondlink; and in response to receiving the message, authorizing the user touse the wireless network services provided by the particular serviceprovider.
 29. The computer system as in claim 22, wherein the wirelessnetwork identifier is an SSID assigned to the particular serviceprovider.
 30. The computer system as in claim 22, wherein the computerprocessor hardware further performs operations of: transmitting thewireless notification to include service provider information associatedwith the wireless access point, the service provider informationindicating identities of multiple service providers including theparticular service provider that support communications through thewireless access point.
 31. The computer system as in claim 30, whereinthe wireless network identifier enables the communication device toperform association with the wireless access point and: i) register withthe multiple service providers and ii) subsequent to registering, usesubscription services supported by the multiple service providers. 32.Computer-readable storage hardware having instructions stored thereon,the instructions, when carried out by computer processor hardware,causing the computer processor hardware to perform operations of:receiving configuration information assigned to a particular serviceprovider, the configuration information including: i) a wireless networkidentifier in which to establish a wireless connection with a wirelessaccess point, and ii) multiple resource links assigned to the particularservice provider for use over a wireless link established using thewireless network identifier; and from the wireless access point,transmitting a wireless notification to a communication device, thewireless notification indicating: i) the wireless network identifier,and ii) the multiple resource links.